Feed-saving apparatus and method

Abstract

In some embodiments, a livestock-feeding apparatus includes an upper frame, a lower frame; and a netting that connects the upper frame and the lower frame together such that the livestock-feeding apparatus has a three-dimensional geometric shape. In some embodiments, a livestock-feeding apparatus includes a clam-shell frame, wherein the clam-shell frame is configured to provide an open position for the apparatus and a closed position for the apparatus, and a netting attached to the clam-shell frame such that the netting is folded upon itself to form a bag that hangs from the clam-shell frame. In some embodiments, a method of feeding livestock includes providing an upper frame and a lower frame, connecting the upper frame to the lower frame with a netting to form a three-dimensional geometric shape, and containing a collection of animal feed within the three-dimensional geometric shape.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A livestock-feeding apparatus comprising:
 an upper frame;   a lower frame; and   a netting that connects the upper frame and the lower frame together such that the livestock-feeding apparatus has a three-dimensional geometric shape.   
     
     
         2 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the netting extends beyond the upper frame to form a top-side netting that substantially covers a top surface of the three-dimensional geometric shape. 
     
     
         3 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame and the lower frame each have a substantially circular shape such that the livestock-feeding apparatus is configured to fit around a round bale. 
     
     
         4 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame and the lower frame each have a substantially rectangular shape such that the livestock-feeding apparatus is configured to fit around a square bale. 
     
     
         5 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame includes one or more piping structures made from a material that includes polyethylene. 
     
     
         6 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame includes a piping structure and a coupler, wherein a first end of the coupler is affixed to a first end of the piping structure, and wherein a second end of the piping structure is removably inserted into a second end of the coupler such that the upper frame has a circular shape. 
     
     
         7 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the netting includes a plurality of square-shaped holes, and wherein the netting is attached to the upper frame such that a longitudinal axis of the upper frame runs substantially parallel with at least one side of the square-shaped holes. 
     
     
         8 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame and the lower frame each have a substantially circular shape such that the livestock-feeding apparatus has a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the netting extends beyond the upper frame to form a top-side netting that substantially covers a top surface of the three-dimensional geometric shape, wherein the top-side netting is gathered by a first net-collection device that allows the top-side netting to be adjustably opened and closed, and wherein the netting extends beyond the lower frame to form a bottom-side netting that substantially covers a bottom surface of the three-dimensional geometric shape, and wherein the bottom-side netting is gathered by a second net-collection device. 
     
     
         9 . A livestock-feeding apparatus comprising:
 a clam-shell frame, wherein the clam-shell frame is configured to provide an open position for the apparatus and a closed position for the apparatus; and   a netting attached to the clam-shell frame such that the netting is folded upon itself to form a bag that hangs from the clam-shell frame.   
     
     
         10 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the clam-shell frame includes a first piping structure and a second piping structure, wherein the first piping structure is coupled to the second piping structure via a tension mechanism that allows the first and second piping structures to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position, wherein the netting includes a single piece of netting having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the netting is attached to the first piping structure and the second end of the netting is attached to the second piping structure. 
     
     
         11 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the clam-shell frame includes a first piping structure and a second piping structure, wherein the first piping structure is coupled to the second piping structure via a tension mechanism that allows the first and second piping structures to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position, and wherein the tension mechanism includes a bungee cord. 
     
     
         12 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a webbing material, wherein the netting is a sewn together with the webbing material to form a first and second side of the bag. 
     
     
         13 . The livestock-feeding apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a hanging module, wherein a first end of the hanging module is coupled to the clam-shell frame and a second end of the hanging module is configured to connect to a hook on a wall such that the apparatus is suspended off of a ground surface while the hanging module is connected to the hook. 
     
     
         14 . A method of feeding livestock comprising:
 providing an upper frame and a lower frame;   connecting the upper frame to the lower frame with a netting to form a three-dimensional geometric shape; and   containing a collection of animal feed within the three-dimensional geometric shape.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising forming each of the upper frame and the lower frame into a circular shape such that the three-dimensional geometric shape is a cylinder, wherein the containing of the collection of animal feed includes placing the three-dimensional shape onto a round bale. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising forming each of the upper frame and the lower frame into a rectangular shape such that the three-dimensional geometric shape is a rectangular cuboid, wherein the containing of the collection of animal feed includes placing the three-dimensional shape onto a square bale. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising forming the upper frame and the lower frame into a circular shape, wherein the forming of the upper frame into a circular shape includes:
 providing a piping structure having a first end and a second end, and   connecting the first end of the piping structure to the second end of the piping structure.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising forming the upper frame and the lower frame into a circular shape, wherein the forming of the upper frame into a circular shape includes:
 providing a piping structure having a first end and a second end,   providing a coupler having a first end and a second end,   affixing a first end of the coupler to the first end of the piping structure, and   removably inserting the second end of the piping structure into the second end of the coupler.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the netting includes a plurality of square-shaped holes, wherein the connecting of the upper frame to the lower frame includes attaching the netting to the upper frame such that a longitudinal axis of the upper frame runs substantially parallel with at least one side of the square-shaped holes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 extending the netting beyond the upper frame to form a top-side netting that substantially covers a top surface of the three-dimensional geometric shape when the top-side netting is in a closed position;   extending the netting beyond the lower frame to form a bottom-side netting that substantially covers a bottom surface of the three-dimensional geometric shape;   creating an opening in the top-side netting by placing the top-side netting in an open position;   inserting animal feed into the three-dimensional geometric shape through the opening in the top-side netting; and   adjustably gathering the top-side netting together to place the top-side netting in the closed position.